Changing dynamics in student politics unfolding

When students of Dhaka University go to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) polls on 9 September, it will mark the first Ducsu election in 35 years, resembling a genuinely participatory contest. 

The 2019 Ducsu election, by contrast, was widely seen as “controversial,” with a sweeping victory for the now-banned Chhatra League, except for a few posts.

The last comparable one was held in June 1990, during the height of anti-autocracy student movements.

This year’s polls come after the July uprising, which reshaped Bangladesh’s political climate and intensified calls for student representation. 

Larger voter base, more female

In 1990, around 27,000 students were eligible to vote, with fewer than 30% women. In 2025, the voter roll had grown to 39,874, with women now constituting 47.55% (18,959 students).

Sabbir Ahmed, a professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Dhaka, notes that overall, students have become increasingly disillusioned with partisan politics, which often fails to address their real concerns.

More seats, fewer contenders

The 1990 Ducsu had 20 central posts with 489 candidates, while 2025 had 28 posts with 462 candidates. Hall unions show a similar trend: 1990 had 168 posts contested by 1,040 candidates, compared to 234 posts and 1,108 candidates in 2025.

Although the number of posts has increased, overall candidacy relative to available positions is gradually declining, reflecting growing scepticism about panel politics and the challenges of contesting elections.

Women on the ballot: From margins to presence

Women candidates were almost invisible in 1990. By 2025, 60 women are contesting central posts (13%), and 188 are running for hall union posts (17%).

Professor Sabbir Ahmed explains that this rise in female candidacy is driven less by loyalty to panels and more by disillusionment with partisan politics. “Female students, in particular, are losing interest in traditional party-backed politics and are increasingly pursuing independent candidacy.”

According to Fateha Sharmin Anne, AGS candidate of the Samonnito Shikkharti Songshad, political groups have historically used women as political pawns. However, in the current changing political landscape, Anne called on women to step forward in proper, transparent politics, emphasising that it is time for women to claim their rightful place based on merit.

Panels vs Independents

The 1990 elections were dominated by panel politics, with nearly 30 panels and seven to eight major groups. Chhatra Dal achieved a landslide, winning 151 of 188 seats (80%), including all central posts and nine dormitories.

In contrast, 2025 features only 10 registered panels, with a growing number of independent candidates vying for major positions. This indicates a fragmentation of traditional panel politics.